Sport

GYMNASTICS: Scotland selection for gymnast Josh

Promising young Bury gymnast Joshua Lincoln will represent Scotland at this year’s Sainsbury’s 2014 School Games.

The 13-year-old, who is the current under-14s Scottish champion after securing consecutive titles, is one of 1,600 youngsters competing at the multi-sport event in Manchester next month.

While at the event Lincoln will get a taste of the pressure and excitement of competing at the highest level. He will experience an athlete’s village, take part in opening and closing ceremonies, and perform in front of a crowd of thousands.

Lincoln, who lives in Oswaldtwistle, said: “I am happy and excited about competing at the Sainsbury’s 2014 School Games. My main aim is to compete well, perform clean routines and get a good score.

“At the moment I am learning new skills but in the lead up to the event I will be focusing on the routines that I shall be performing in competition.”

The youngster, who has a condition called synesthesia – which means he is both dyslexic and has a hypersensitivity to light – trains at Bury Gymnastics Club and is now stepping up his preparations.

“I train 22 hours per week and this increases in the summer holidays as I will attend a summer camp at the club.

“I will also have a weekend of training specifically with the Scotland squad.

“My biggest achievement to date was being selected for last year’s Games. I enjoyed the competition and the atmosphere. I was nervous but I had a great time.”

The four-day event, which runs from September 4-7, is supported by National Lottery funding from Sport England and delivered by the Youth Sport Trust.